After more
than three decades with Apple Leisure Group, Apple Vacations president Tim Mullen is leaving the company his father founded, the company announced Thursday.
"I've been blessed and am
thrilled to have been a part of one of the most successful travel companies in
the world," he said. "I will miss my colleagues, travel agents and supplier
partners many of whom I see as close friends. With the new ALG leadership team
in place, the timing of my decision seems right and I look forward to
continuing to work with Apple to help ensure a smooth transition."
As part of the merger with Mark Travel,
Jacqueline Marks, former executive vice president of Mark Travel Group, became executive vice
president of trade sales and engagement, overseeing the Apple Vacations, Blue Sky Tours, Funjet
Vacations and Travel Impressions brands, as well as the travel agency business
for United Vacations and Southwest Vacations.
ALG said it has initiated an internal search to fill his
position, and that Mullen would stay on to help with the transition until the
end of the year.
ALG executive vice president Lynn Torrent said in a statement, "Tim has been
with Apple Vacations for over 31 years. We will miss his resourcefulness,
amazing charisma, and his role as a leader and mentor to so many employees. His creativity and willingness to experiment and stay flexible
were essential in preparing for rapidly changing business environments. Tim has
been instrumental in building not only a successful and admired brand, but also
integral to the birth and success of the Apple Leisure Group."
ALG began as a small
travel company called Atkinson & Mullen, founded in 1969 by Tim Mullen's
father, John Mullen, and the elder Mullen's brother-in-law, Al Atkinson. John
Mullen renamed the company Apple Vacations when he became the sole proprietor,
turning it into one of the largest travel packagers in North America.
Tim's brother, Jeff Mullen, is Apple Leisure Group's COO of distribution. His brother-in-law, Alex Zozaya, is Apple Leisure Group's CEO.